Everything You Need To Know about Dental Implants

Dental implants are a surgical treatment that substitutes the roots of missing or damaged teeth with metal, screw-like posts. An abutment, or a connecting structure, is placed on top of or built into the implant to connect it to the replacement tooth (called a crown). Next, a crown is custom-made to match the natural teeth and installed.

Dental implants are designed to restore oral function and health. People may opt for the procedure if they have lost teeth, have experienced a dental injury, have an infected or decaying tooth, or would prefer not to wear dentures. Some people may also choose dental implants if they have experienced bone loss and want to improve the look of their facial structure.

Benefits

Dental implants are made to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They offer several benefits as they contribute to improved oral health and enhanced appearance. Many people choose to get dental implants because the procedure can:

• Improve your ability to chew and speak
• Help preserve or restore the appearance of facial structure
• Promote greater self-confidence
• Improve oral health by protecting bones and preventing bone loss
• Enhance the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and face
• Support the health of the jawbone
• Improve your quality of life
  

Types of Dental Implants

There are three main types of dental implants: endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, and zygomatic implants. Learn more about each type of dental implant below.

Endosteal Implants

Placed in the jawbone, endosteal implants are shaped like small screws. Each endosteal implant is designed to hold one or more crowns. This type is typically made of titanium and is the most common type of implant.

Subperiosteal Implants

The subperiosteal implant is placed on or above the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. It consists of a custom cast frame placed directly beneath the periosteum, the connective tissue that covers the outside surface of bones, except for areas of muscle attachment and sites of articulation—places in the mouth that produce sound.

This type of implant procedure may be used for people who do not have enough natural jawbone or for people who do not want to have a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild deteriorating or damaged jawbones.

Zygomatic Implants

The zygomatic implant method is used when there is insufficient jawbone for other dental implant procedures. People with extensive jawbone loss (in terms of volume and density) are good candidates for zygomatic implants.

Two different types of surgery techniques may be used for this type of implant. The first is the instrasinus zygomatic implant (IZI), where the implants are installed inside the maxillary sinuses, which are two large hollow spaces in the bones around the nose. The other option is to perform the procedure outside the maxillary sinuses (EZI).

Dental Implant Procedure

During a dental implant procedure, an implant dentist will surgically place the implant or implants in the area of the jawbone where the tooth or teeth are missing. Depending on the procedure, the provider may administer local anesthesia or IV sedation to keep you comfortable.

Candidates for a dental implant procedure include adults and adolescents who were born without a tooth or have had teeth removed due to injury, decay, or infection. If the procedure is performed on adolescents, it is recommended the surgery only be done once facial growth and development is complete, which is about 16 years old for females and 18 years old for males.

Risks and Side Effects

Dental implants are a safe and effective procedure when performed by a trained implant dentist, a dentist credentialed by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) who is extensively trained in dental implant surgery. However, like any procedure, dental implants have potential risks and side effects.

The risks of dental implant procedures include potential damage to surrounding natural teeth, nerve damage, injury to surrounding tissues, infection, and inadequate function of the teeth post-treatment (such as an abnormal bite). Screw loosening, inflammation, and implant fracture are other potential risks.

Potential side effects of the procedure include metal allergy, biofilm formation, and corrosion:

• People with a history of metal allergy have a greater risk of developing a hypersensitivity reaction to a metal implant. If this is a risk, experts recommend taking a metal allergy assessment and an allergy test before getting implants.
• If biofilm (such as plaque) forms on dental implants, you may be at risk for periodontal disease (gum disease) or implant failure. Dental implant corrosion is another potential side effect that occurs when the metal material of the implant comes into contact with saliva or uneven surfaces.
• Corrosion can affect the device's mechanical stability and the structure of the surrounding tissue. Research is ongoing to improve the material of dental implants and to develop protective surface treatments to prevent corrosion and biofilm buildup.

Certain health factors and conditions may also pose risks. These include short-term illness, uncontrolled metabolic disease (an imbalance of chemical reactions in your body that raise your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke), and untreated bone or soft tissue infections.

It's also important to speak to a healthcare provider before getting dental implants if you're undergoing chemotherapy or taking bisphosphonate drugs to prevent bone density loss. Several other health conditions merit pre-consultation with a healthcare provider, including diabetes, osteoporosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Aftercare and Maintenance

After surgery, dental implants may result in swelling, minor bleeding or pain, and bruising. For post-treatment care, your provider may recommend not brushing or lightly brushing the operated area for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Care may also include rinsing with an antiseptic chlorhexidine mouthwash three times per day for 60 seconds.

In the weeks after surgery, you can also promote healing by eating soft foods and drinking plenty of liquids. You can also take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to help control pain. Sometimes, your provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.

Dental implants may take several months or longer to heal completely. Try to maintain an oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing the implant and surrounding teeth, and schedule regular check-ups with your dentist.

As long as dental implants are correctly installed, the implants can last for decades when cared for properly with a healthy oral hygiene routine and regular dental appointments.

Dental Implants Cost

The average cost of a dental implant procedure ranges from $3,100-$5,800. However, there is no standard price as implant procedures vary depending on the type of implant required and the oral health of each individual.

In the United States, dental implants are typically not covered by insurance. If you have a private dental insurance plan, dental implants may or may not be covered. Check with your dental insurer to confirm what level of coverage you have. Sometimes, even if the procedure is covered, your insurance may only cover part of the total cost.

A Quick Review

Dental implants are a surgical procedure that involves the application of artificial tooth roots to substitute missing or damaged teeth. Benefits include improved quality of life and improved chewing and speaking abilities.

There are three types of dental implants: endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic. The type you require depends on whether you have bone loss and the overall health of your oral cavity, among other factors.

Dental implants are a safe procedure, but there are some risks. These include screw loosening, nerve damage, infection, and injury to surrounding tissues. Risks and side effects are greatly reduced if you see an implant dentist certified by the AAID.

If you think you might need dental implants, speak to your dentist about whether the procedure is right for you.